Tebogo Steve Kekana (4 August 1958 – 1 July 2021) was a renowned South African singer and songwriter, celebrated for his contributions to the music industry and his academic achievements.
Early Life and Career
Born in Zebediela, Transvaal, Kekana lost his sight at the age of five. He attended a school for the blind in Pietersburg, where he discovered his passion for singing. During his teenage years, he joined several amateur groups, honing his musical talents.
Kekana’s career took off in the late 1970s. In 1979 and 1980, he won the SABC Black Music Award for Best Male Vocalist. His song “Raising My Family” became a major hit in Europe in 1980, and he recorded over forty albums throughout his career. Hits like “The Bushman” and “Feel So Strong” (featuring Hotline) made significant impacts on the South African charts in the early 1980s.
Collaborations and Achievements
Steve Kekana collaborated with notable South African artists, including Ray Phiri, Nana Coyote, Joe Nina, and the band Hotline featuring PJ Thandeka Powers. He was not only a musician but also a scholar, earning B Juris and LLB degrees and working as an advocate and lecturer in Labour Law at the University of South Africa.
Throughout his career, Kekana received numerous accolades, including:
- Over 70 Golden Disc Awards
- Best Male Vocalist Award (Radio Zulu) in 1980
- Four Outstanding Young South African (FOYSA) Award in 1984
- Ten Outstanding Young People of the World (TOYP) Award in 1985
- OKTV Award in 1986
- Mama Bheka Community Awards in 2010
- SAMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018
Discography
Steve Kekana’s extensive discography spans several decades, with albums such as:
- 1977: Steve Kekana
- 1979: Nomsa Ntombi Yami and Mokhotse Oa Hao
- 1980: Umenziwa Akakhalelwa, Iphupho, and Thapelo
- 1981: Isiko Lwabe Suthu, Raising My Family, and Kodua Ea Maseru
- 1982: Ifuqe Mntanami (Push), Not Going Back, Hare Khumameng, and Amandla Amasha
- 1983: Alone in The Desert
- 1984: Yintle Lento
- 1985: Third Time Lucky and Siwelele
- 1986: Ngiyadlisa, Love Triangle, and Bull Dozer
- 1987: Sebabatso and Lindani
- 1988: Makhombo and I Shall Be Released
- 1989: Faith, Love and Respect
- 1996: Usafira
- 2001: Icilongo
- 2003: African Lady
- 2009: Ha Ke Le Tje and Isithombe Sami
- 2014: Risen
- 2018: Ubuntu
His compilations include Golden Hits Vol 1 (1997), Golden Hits Vol 2 (1997), The English Album (1999), and more.
Legacy
Steve Kekana passed away from COVID-19-related complications on 1 July 2021, at the age of 62. His legacy endures through his vast musical contributions and the inspiration he provided as a blind artist who overcame significant challenges to achieve remarkable success.
Conclusion
Tebogo Steve Kekana’s life is a testament to resilience, talent, and determination. Despite losing his sight at a young age, he transformed his challenges into strengths, becoming a celebrated South African singer, songwriter, and academic. His extensive discography, filled with hits like “Raising My Family” and “Feel So Strong,” showcases his versatility and enduring appeal in the music industry.
Kekana’s accolades, including over 70 Golden Disc Awards and the prestigious SAMA Lifetime Achievement Award, highlight his significant impact on South African music. His collaborations with renowned artists and contributions as a lecturer in Labour Law further illustrate his multifaceted abilities.
Even in his passing, Steve Kekana’s legacy remains influential. His journey from a small village in Zebediela to international recognition serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with passion and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle and leave an indelible mark on the world.
